"Well, we're in trouble now," Aiden muttered, his gaze fixed on the system notification that had just appeared before them.
Rey narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that, and why are you cursing?"
"Firstly, to answer your earlier question—yes, everyone should've taken your warning seriously about being the Fifth. There's a crack forming in the veil that separates your world from external mana and system interference," Aiden explained, voice low and grim. "But they ignored it. Because you're my host, you have access to higher privileges, and that made them skeptical. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the invasion process is accelerating. Based on my calculations, you have less than two years now—maybe even less."
Rey raised an eyebrow. "And what's the good news, oh wise seer?" he asked sarcastically.
Aiden's eyes lit with a faint fire. "The good news? I've located one of my comrades—right here in this city. And, lucky you, she's in the same factory where you found me."
Rey's voice jumped. "Wait, wait—what did you say? That factory again? And don't tell me you want me to go in there... to retrieve your relic?"
Before Aiden could respond, the door to the boys' washroom creaked open.
"Hey, Rey? You in here? I heard your voice," James called out, his footsteps echoing through the tiled space.
"Yeah, it's me," Rey called back quickly. "Just... easing a stomach ache. I'll be out soon."
"Oh, alright. Just came to say Evan woke up. Said he's fine. I was looking for you to pass the message. Anyway, I'm off."
As James's footsteps faded, Rey groaned inwardly, clutching his forehead.
'Great... He's going to tease me for this for weeks...'
Indeed, in his panic at the sudden system message, Rey had locked himself inside the washroom stall to privately speak with Aiden. But now, he regretted it.
"Should I leave you to nurse your pride, or are you ready to listen?" Aiden asked, appearing in front of him with a sly grin.
"Cut it out," Rey snapped. "You know the truth, so stop playing around."
"Alright, alright," Aiden said, waving a hand dismissively. "Back to business."
Rey exhaled, annoyed. "Don't you think it's a horrible idea? That gang is still hunting me. If I go back there, I might not come home at all."
"You're not wrong," Aiden said seriously. "But finding my comrade will change everything. She's not just a relic—she's the greatest weapon of all time. Known as
Rey blinked. "Wait. You—praising someone? That's a first. And by the way, isn't the good one even scarier than the bad one?"
Aiden tilted his head. "I'm not sure I follow. Why would you say that?"
Rey crossed his arms. "Well, if I avoid this, I might die after a year and a half. But if I sneak back into that gang's territory, I could be dead in days. That's why the good one feels more dangerous."
"An excellent deduction," Aiden said, nodding. "But let me be clear—you don't have another option. Either you choose the lesser evil… or…"
Aiden's expression turned devilish, his eyes glowing with a familiar gleam that sent shivers down Rey's spine.
"…or I'll make the choice for you."
The memory of the pain from the previous night surged through Rey's body. He flinched, involuntarily stepping back.
"I can make it ten times worse," Aiden said casually. "And if needed, I can even take control of your body. So don't worry. I've got everything covered."
"…What time do we leave, Sir?" Rey asked, forcing a smile that was more like a grimace.
"Ah, you catch on fast," Aiden smirked. "No need for extra lessons. Thanks to your good behavior, I'll give you a bit of grace. We'll delay until tomorrow. On Wednesday the 18th… we move. Be prepared, got it?"
He flicked a spark of energy in his palm, just to emphasize the point.
Rey nodded quickly. "Crystal clear. I'll be ready before you even ask."
Without another word, Rey darted out of the washroom to find his friends.
Aiden chuckled as he faded and merged back into Rey's body.
"…Maybe I scared him a bit too much," he mused. "But hey, discipline is important."
Is it mere coincidence… or has the wheel of fate spun a new tale?Only time will tell.So stay tuned… because the truth is only beginning to reveal itself.
Author's Note:I know you're dying to know what happens next, but hey—why ruin the suspense? Stick around, and if you haven't already, don't forget to add this to your library!And of course, feel free to drop a comment if the pacing feels off or if something doesn't sit right. Your feedback helps shape the world you're reading.
Until next time—stay awesome, readers. 😊